So after the May 1st Myrtle Reservoir park meeting, at which it was revealed the idea of a skate feature at Myrtle was suddenly out of the picture, we started pursuing comment from city Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tim Gallagher, as (a) the buck of course stops with him and (b) he was reported to have been the one who took the wheels off the whole thing. Finally today, we got e-mail from him. Sounds more like a form letter to neighbors than a response to our request for comment on “why was the decision made?” but if you are interested in this ongoing issue, we thought you’d want to read it anyway:
May 16, 2008
Tracy Record
editor@westseattleblog.comDear Ms. Record:
I am writing in response to your concern about a skate facility at Myrtle Reservoir.
While we continue to look to build a skate facility in West Seattle, there has never
been funding for a skatepark at Myrtle Reservoir. Given the small amount of funding
we currently have available, Seattle Parks is looking at all site options, including
High Point Playfield. High Point Playfield suggests itself as a candidate because it
is on an arterial, has restrooms nearby at the community center, and is already an
active recreation site.Also under consideration is Myrtle Reservoir, the design for which includes a corner
where a smaller skate feature could be built in the future.I met with the Skatepark Advisory Committee earlier this week to talk about options
and potential funding sources. I believe that they are on board with the approach
described above. We will be looking at these sites in person with members of the
skate community.Thank you for your concern for and involvement with skatepark siting in West
Seattle. I hope you will stay involved in the park planning process.Sincerely,
Timothy Gallagher
Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation
We have written back to explain that we’re not a concerned neighbor but rather a media organization and still seeking clarification on the whole thing. Will let you know what we hear back.
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